Good evening!
I must admit this probably won’t be an upbeat post like I normally do. The truth is, lately I have been feeling a bit unfulfilled with my blog lately.
I don’t know what it is or what has possibly changed in the past couple of weeks, but I know that something has. I have been feeling like I am not helping people in the way that I want to or that my posts lately have lacked an inner quality or significance for me and for my readers.
Some days I have really struggled to even find words to type on the page. I feel like I should be posting about my workouts or meals, but to be honest with you at times that bores me to tears. And then I think, does anyone really care what I did for my workout or what I had for lunch? Maybe on the surface like I wonder what my friend did last weekend or what she ordered at that fancy restaurant. But not in a meaningful sort of way, if you catch my drift.
Yes, blogs can be a much needed diversion in the middle of a long and stressful day, but does that mean that it always has to be a happy-go-lucky and easy on the eyes topic? I don’t think so.
I think the reason that I have been feeling unfulfilled with Oh She Glows lately is because I feel like I am not reaching out to enough people or helping people in the way that I want to. Sure, it is fun to chat about light hearted topics like fashion or your favourite toppings on pizza, but I realize that I need more than this if I am to sustain my blog long-term. I need to connect with people in a meaningful way. My main reason for starting this blog was to help people and lately I just haven’t felt like I am having an impact like I once did.
This post is not meant to be a pity-party or anything of the sort. I know that I put a lot of effort on here and that my readers enjoy it, but I am just saying that I may want to channel my efforts in new directions.
Let’s face it, you can read food/exercise blogs until you are blue in the face. How many are there out there? Tens of thousands? Do I really need to add to the pool by logging my workout or a new food product review? Or holding another contest? I guess these are the questions that I am currently struggling with.
This is not meant to criticize any blogs out there because all of them are wonderful in their own way and I know how much effort it takes to put into one. It would be silly to imply that there is no value in discussing any of these things because there most certainly is.
My main point is that I want to make a difference with this blog. I want to feel good about what I write and that it is meaningful to those who spare some time in their day to come here. I am just not sure how exactly I can make the changes I feel like I need to make.
Thoughts/Opinions Welcome, as always.
Hi Angela,
Your blog is my favorite one out there!! I check it everyday and love reading all of your great advice and about your life experiences with food and nutrition that you have to share. You are a fantastic example to all women. From all of the great comments, it’s clear that you ARE inspiring your readers and making a difference. Maybe more than you think.
Keep up the great work!!
I agree with everyone’s comments above-I love your blog too and think you are doing a marvelous job!
However, for your well-being, do you find that taking photos of every meal every day can be a bit obsessive? Don’t you end up spending a lot of time on the computer? It seems like you (and maybe other food bloggers) might want to try other new things-because I’ve been obsessed with nutrition/food journaling before and it’s a slippery slope. Maybe you could alternate writing about food and exercise, so you don’t always have to reach for the camera when you eat your food. I’m sure that you have a healthy, reasonable relationship with food and maybe you don’t need to take a picture every time to verify it. I’m sure you can trust your self! Otherwise, I love this blog and I’m always interested in reading your new recipes, etc. Good job!
I wish you could see a before and after of what I have been eating these past several months. I stumbled onto your site from a link on Leah’s site (I think), and between looking at what she did, and then looking at what you have been doing regarding healthy eating and exercise, I have been so inspired and seen that it really is possible to make those changes to get to where I want to be. Before, my kitchen was filled with crap, pure and simple. My idea of healthy eating was reduced-fat, reduced-sugar, small serving sized “snack pack” type foods. Now, my snacks consist of apples, bananas, kiwi, etc. Nearly every morning starts with a green monster, and if it doesn’t, I feel like something’s missing all day long. I have come such a long way, and even though I’ve been reading several other blogs, and I absolutely love them for various reasons, I find yours much more interesting than most and much more informative. I feel like I can ask even my stupid questions here, and you answer them like an expert, but never condescendingly. I love that you show honestly where you came from. It shows me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t think you realize how much you really are helping people.
I agree with what everyone says. I like seeing what you eat more than American blogs because we don’t have access to so many healthy/popular foods that would make healthy eating easier. Sometimes I read KathEats/Carrots n Cake and think that if I had Fage, Kashi products and all the readily available healthy products there, eating well would be no problem. Here, calorie counts aren’t posted on the menus the way they are in New York. Most of the food I want to try are unavailable. I like your blog because I can actually go and TRY the things you make! Thats what makes your blog different. You’re a leader for all the Canadians! Also, I like how you post twice daily.
I definitely enjoy reading your blog the way it is! Yes, there are lots of foodie/health blogs but I find yours unique and I’ve kept coming back. I really love the way you write – it sounds so… fun (I can’t really think of any other way to describe it). And the positivity of each post is wonderful. Even if you’re writing about something you’ve struggled with, it seems you still manage to find positivity and that’s inspiring.
I think you’re probably helping people more than you know. I bet a lot of people have been inspired in some way, but just haven’t commented to say so. You’ve made such incredible changes in your life and to me that is definitely inspiring! Seeing how living a healthier lifestyle has benefited you definitely helps me keep going with my healthy way!
Angela, you have a great blog! In fact your blog was the first one that I started to read. I read blogs for inspiration and ideas and I get that from you! I have been inspired to start my own blog the main reason for kind of day to day journal for me and for FUN! Besides I really like the fact that you are also in Canada and when you post about things you make or like I know that I can get them! I also like how you post through out the day! :)
Angela,
I couldn’t possibly disagree more. I know I have never commented before, but i read your blog religiously. (Does that make me a stalker? :) ) Anyways, I love reading everything you write. Even if it is totally random. That is what this whole blogging thing is about. We all go through slumps, but that is why we have our bloggie buddies! Please keep writing, everyone LOVES what you talk about!!
-Stephanie
I often feel the same way about my own blog … I very much so don’t want it to just be another blog, but I want it to be something that really helps and inspires people. At times I feel like I’m doing nothing at all but then I must remind myself … just be myself!! There’s a quote that I heard once that has stuck with me and I believe it is so true …
“Find out what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs are people who come alive”
… what will inspire people the very most is when you’re doing what makes you feel alive, when you’re doing what you’re passionate about and when you’re just simply being yourself. If you just be yourself, you WILL make a different and you ARE making a difference!! : ) I really believe that!!!
Keep writing! I only just found this blog so you can’t quit now :D
I confess, I too am lurker! We are all coming out of the closet!
I love your blog and like everyone else find it super inspirational. I’m trying to get fit, starting my own little home business, love yoga, am a vegan, etc etc. I’m from Australia! So you have fans all over the world. I’m a hopeless blogger and really find it tough to write anything, so I think you are awesome!
I’ve yet to try the green monster, but I’m going too…. true… one day….. maybe….
I just started reading your blog, and I enjoy it. I especially like reading about your baked goods – and just seeing how another person lives life. The thing to keep in mind is that certain people will gain from your blog and certain people won’t. People relate to blogs (or enjoy them) for all sorts of reasons, so even if you don’t think you’re reaching people – you definitely are. Just look at the comments above! Everyone goes to various blogs for different reasons. For me (with your blog) – I come here to check out the baked goods. Plain and simple. And that separates you from other blogs I read, which is why I come back :)
Good luck. Don’t fret. It will come to you.
Angela,
I read your blog every day (3xdaily) and I love it! I’ve never commented before (on any blog) but this has become such an important blog to me I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it. Every day I get inspiration from your blog to be a little better and to treat my body with the respect and love it deserves. I’m a sophomore in college and your posts about overcoming the freshmen 15 and binge eating have been a life saver to me. Thank you for all that you do! Keep posting! :)
i love your blog. you’re doing a great job. just be you, that is more than enough, doll! your meals are gorgeous, fresh, and totally up my ally. i would love to see more of them, even! they are gorgeous! and i’m loving your journey to being a baking g-ddess! it’s lovely and real and true, exactly how you are. you glow, from the heart onward, and that is what i adore about your blog! continue to shine as you already do. Yes, It is Enough :)
I have to delurk and tell you that I love your blog too!! I come to your blog daily to gain inspiration from you about your attitude on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your personality and outlook on life is contagious and I would definitely be sad if you didn’t continue to blog about your daily experiences!! We all go through a funk ever now and then, but know that you would be truly missed if you left blogland!! Keep it up! I always say to myself when I read your posts “I want to be like Angela when I grow up”…and I already have a good ten years on ya!!!
I found your blog in November and have been a faithful reader/lurker ever since. I check it several times a day. You are fun, interesting, inspiring and a bright spot in my day. Keep up the great work!
Hi Angela! I just found your blog a few weeks ago. Sorry to hear that you’ve hit a bit of a rut. I’ve mostly been reading running and triathlon blogs up until now, but I have loved discovering some of you great foodies out there! Training is one thing, but I know I need to work on my diet…but wow…where to start? I love gaining some new insight for meals and things to cook. Plus, I love that you are in Canada, so I know I can probably find most of the products or things that you talk about! (hello…Trader Joe’s envy..??) Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!
Hi Angela,
I do understand ur need to reach people and help them even more. but believe me, wot u did, at least for me, is something i’ll always thank u for. u actually showed me through all ur posts, how to believe in myself, how to set goals and reach them, how i can get rid of my extra pounds that i accumulated for a year since i moved to the US.
It was a totally new envirronement for me, as i’ve been used to eat very healthy and mostly local moroccan food or european products. I really didnt know where to begin, since my husband and his family here, eat a lotta junk food. so u were like an Angel sent to guide me through this difficult time and show me how to lead a healthy life. I even know now which organic and healthy produts to buy, and of course i had no clue.
So Angela, u inspired me in so many different ways, and i just love the way u connect to ur readers, i do feel like i know u and dat i wish i had a girfriend like u. u r sooo down to earth considering ur beauty and intelligence, and with ur sexy sens of humour, u make everything seems possible, reachable and most of all, fun to do.
keep up wot u r doing coz it is incredible. i guess u dont really realize how u changed my life (I lost 15 lbs already!!!) and the lives of sooooo many of ur readers.
and ur blog is the one that i dont miss reading foe any reason, even when am sick,like the past 2 weeks.
lots of love.
Ilham.
Dear Angela,
I think it is absolutely hilarious that you wrote this post, I was actually a little shocked that you felt that way. Everyday I read your post, I look forward to it.. Your blog not only encourages me but makes me feel so much more optimistic about everything. This may sound unrealistic but all I wanted to say was that really admire and thank you for your ideas and encouragement. I even started drinking the green monsters. They’re amazing. It was so hard to find the Kale though, I went to five different stores, but I finally found it at Henry’s.
Hi Angela,
Your blog has already helped me in so many ways! Like you, I have been through times when I have eaten too little and lived on fat-free or low-fat “diet food” filled with artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Obviously, this way of life was neither sustainable nor fulfilling and eventually I cracked and binged, followed by another diet, then another binge…. you get the picture!! But your blog truly has shown me that there is another way and has helped me get over my “all or nothing” approach and focus on my health and wellbeing.
Of course, I am excited to see how your blog develops, but please don’t doubt the significance of posting what you eat, etc. I am not a food blogger and I don’t even live on the same continent as you, but what you write really has struck a chord with me!
I check your blog several times a day for new posts and this week I have made your hummus and spelt tortilla recipes – both of which were a huge success and have completely saved me, since they are both virtually impossible to get hold of in Germany. I was craving hummus in a major way and never dreamt it would be so easy to make it myself!!
Olivia
I can only give you one advice and that is: Do a vision board for yourself, concentrating on the blog. Cut out pictures that represent the feeling you want to create on the blog, words that mean something to you, and put them up on a big piece of cardboard hanging in the office – it’ll most likely help. I know it helped me at least, to focus on some important points in my life…